Senior Multimedia Reporter
Almost 3,000 migrants have collected documents under the Migrant Registration Framework (MRF) in the past week, following the Government’s decision to open the process to approved applicants of all nationalities.
Other approved applicants have until December to collect their documents.
The permits allow eligible migrants to live and work legally in Trinidad and Tobago for one year, but they cannot travel outside the country during that period.
The Ministry of Homeland Security said that, effective Friday, November 6, all applicants with approved applications—regardless of nationality—could pay the required $710 fee at any National Lotteries Control Board (NLCB) booth nationwide before collecting their Minister’s Permits at the MRF Collection Centre at the stadium.
Figures for the exercise show that $1,839,610 was collected from 2,592 transactions between November 1 and 4.
The highest collection was recorded on November 3, when 1,532 transactions generated $1,087,010. A further 952 transactions on November 4 brought in $675,920.
The exercise began on November 1 with 106 transactions amounting to $75,260. Only two transactions, totalling $1,420, were recorded on November 2 because of technical difficulties with the payment system.
A total of 29,276 migrants from 60 countries applied for registration. Following vetting, 20,242 were approved.
Angie Ramnarine, coordinator of the La Romaine Migrant Support Group, said some migrants were still trying to find the money to complete the process, while others were pleased to learn their applications had been approved.
However, she said some people who registered together received different decisions. She cited a husband and wife who registered at the same time, but only the wife’s application was approved.
Ramnarine said the husband had received an email about his application and would need to seek clarification through the designated channels.
She reminded migrants to have proof of payment before going to the collection centre.
Although the ministry has not announced a final collection deadline, Ramnarine encouraged migrants to complete the process before December. She said she hoped the exercise would proceed smoothly and urged members of the migrant community to be disciplined and complete the requirements on time.
Some migrants who requested anonymity said they were disappointed they would not be allowed to leave Trinidad and Tobago during the one-year permit period.
“Some of us were planning to spend Christmas in our home country, but we would have to reconsider this now that we are approved,” one migrant said.
According to the ministry’s release, the collection centre will be open Monday to Friday, from 8 am to 4 pm, except on public holidays and designated non-operational dates.
The centre will be closed on November 18, 20, 24 and 27, and December 1, 4 and 8.
Applicants must present the same identification document used during registration, even if it has since expired, along with proof of payment.
The ministry said applicants would also be photographed for official records. It advised them to wear coloured clothing and avoid white tops or shirts.
Only applicants whose status is marked “Approved” are eligible to pay and collect their permits.
For assistance, applicants can contact the MRF Help Desk at [email protected] or 613-1505.
